Mesmerised, in awe, yawning despite trying to suppress it as the 203rd country entered the stadium, rejuvenated, and extremely excited albeit sleepy. Here is a chain of emotions I experienced when watching the Opening Ceremony.
The theme was China’s past, present and future, presented on a gigantic Chinese painting paper scrolling out. The ancient civilisation was prominently featured. China’s Four Great Inventions/四大发明/si4 da4 fa1 ming2 was befitting showcased in quite an inventive way. The sheer scale was overwhelming: 15,000 anonymous performers. There were a few moments when the camera featured performers heartily smiling and waving as they finished their part of the performance. It’s a celebration of humanity.
8 Responses to “The Olympics Opening Ceremony”
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About this blog
Hi, I am Jenny Zhu from ChinesePod.com. I bring you a slice of the Chinese language and culture in the daily podcast. But there is so much more than what a podcast has time for, so jennyzhu.com is a space of observation and reflection on the big, small and everything in between about China.
May C
August 9th, 2008 at 4:12 am
I was so mesmerized by the amazing opening ceremonies! I can’t even point out one that I really loved as I love it all! I was quite impressed by the scrolls and the type pad with the people in boxes. It looked so perfect.
It was so spectacular and I am so proud of China. I just hope that the smog doesn’t affect the games or it would be such a shame to be hampered by that.
art
August 9th, 2008 at 6:20 am
The video link is not available for viewing. I think the IOC and Beijing are enforcing the licensing rights. I have read the news and saw pictures of the opening ceremonies. Looks pretty expensive to me.
ewong
August 9th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
it’s grandeous, spectacular, amazing… China gave their best and their all. 我很自豪！
Fredrik
August 9th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Like most people I thought it was a spectacular opening
cermony, but I think much of the effects was lost on TV
of course its impossible to capture this kind of performance
on a small TV-screen, but i thought they tended to get a little to close too often.
Highlights for me was the drummers in the beginning, the
type pad with the boxes, Tai Chi Quan performers and Li
Ning running high above to light the olympic fire.
A question, One of the part showed some chinese
puppets on string, and surrounding the wagon was
some yellowdressed figures. Was it meant to be Sun Wu Kong?
/Fredrik
Jenny Zhu
August 9th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Fredrik,
Yes, I think they were Su Wu Kong.
There are so many fantastic events to watch that I’ll definitely have post Olympic depression.
Obitoddkenobi
August 10th, 2008 at 1:40 am
Very happy to have watched. Hardworking Chinese people should be very proud of this moment, and of the great performances. I thought Zhang Yimou demonstrated once again he is a director of great vision. The integration of pacing, the power of mass performance and individual high art was awe inspiring. China has come a long way in my lifetime. At moments like these, I am reminded of Zhou Enlai always reminding us not to forget those who dug the well.
art
August 10th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I finally watched most of the opening ceremony on NBC’s Olympic website. I skipped many portions of the entrance of delegations; time was a constraining factor.
It was very impressive. The dancers running around the equator reminded me of the Chinese acrobats’ performance I saw as a child in the Philippines. The difference is that these dancers gave Circque-de-Soleil-like performances.
Jenny, when Li Ning was running on air on his way to light the torch, NBC showed Yao Ming saying in English “There’s Shanghai over there!” NBC also interviewed Yao Ming while Yao Ming held Lin Hao. The interviewer ended by thanking Lin Hao. To my amazement, Lin Hao replied in perfect English “Thank you. Thank you very much.” That little child is amazing. I loved seeing this little child walked right next to Yao Ming, and Yao Ming’s gentle touch with this child.
art
August 10th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Here’s the link of the interview with Yao Ming, http://www.nbcolympics.com/vid.....INTV_JA031